2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Los Angeles Area
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Public 4-Year - calstatela.edu
Bachelor's - Nutritional Science, B.S.
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Los Angeles offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science with a Dietetics concentration, accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics. It prepares students to become registered dietitian nutritionists through 120 units covering medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and hands-on community experience. Core courses include human anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, requiring a minimum C grade. Admission does not specify ACT or SAT requirements; check the university's policies for details.
- Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
- Focus on medical nutrition therapy
- Hands-on community nutrition experience
- 120 units required for degree
- Minimum C grade in major courses
- Prepares for registered dietitian nutritionist
- Includes food service management
- Core courses in anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry fundamentals included
- Ideal for graduate studies preparation
Bachelor's - Nutritional Science, B.S.
Concentration: Community Nutrition and Wellness - Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Los Angeles's Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science with a Community Nutrition and Wellness concentration focuses on public health applications, including sports nutrition, community gardening, and entrepreneurship. The 120-unit program prepares for careers in programs like WIC and Head Start, with core courses in human nutrition and food science. A minimum C grade is required; ACT or SAT requirements are not specified—consult the university for admission details.
- 120 units required
- Concentration in Community Nutrition
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Courses in sports nutrition
- Community gardening focus
- Nutrition entrepreneurship options
- Minimum C grade required
- Core courses in food science
- Public health integration
- Electives tailored to goals
Master's - Master of Science Degree in Nutritional Science
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nutritional Science at California State University-Los Angeles provides specialized training in dietetics and nutrition science, with tracks for Nutrition and Dietetics or Nutrition Research. It prepares students for roles as public health nutritionists or doctoral studies, featuring lab-based research and thesis options. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and science prerequisites, with no GRE required as stated.
- Two specialized tracks available.
- Prepares for RDN certification.
- Lab-based research opportunities.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Science prerequisites needed.
- Campus-based program.
- No GRE required.
- Thesis or project options.
- Focus on professional competence.
Master's - Master of Science Degree in Nutritional Science
Concentration: Public Health Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website
This Master of Science in Nutritional Science with a Public Health Nutrition concentration at California State University-Los Angeles equips students for leadership roles or doctoral studies in public health. It emphasizes research and practical application, offering thesis, project, or comprehensive exam options. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, science and nutrition prerequisites, and a statement of goals; no entrance exam is mentioned, so check with the program for specifics.
- Specialized Public Health Nutrition track.
- Prepares for leadership or doctoral studies.
- Options: comprehensive exam, thesis, project.
- 3.0 GPA requirement for admission.
- Prerequisites in sciences and nutrition.
- Focus on research and practical application.
- Ideal for public health nutrition advancement.
Master's - Master of Science Degree in Nutritional Science
Concentration: Food Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Los Angeles's Master of Science in Nutritional Science with a Food Science concentration prepares students for careers in food production supervision or advanced studies. The program includes thesis or comprehensive exam options and requires a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and specific prerequisites. No entrance exam is specified; verify with the university for admission requirements.
- Focus on Food Science
- Campus-based program
- Thesis or comprehensive exam options
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two letters of recommendation needed
- Specific prerequisites required
- Prepares for public health careers
- Ideal for doctoral study preparation
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - Public 4-Year - csulb.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Science
Concentration: Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Long Beach offers a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition, preparing students for careers in health, research, and wellness. The program requires 74 units and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutritional science, and cultural food studies. It features a blended BS-to-MS track for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Ranked #11, it provides diverse career pathways and emphasizes community health and metabolism.
- 74 total units required
- Diverse career preparation
- Blended BS-to-MS option
- Multiple career pathways
Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey, CA - Public 2-Year - mpc.edu
Associate - Nutrition and Dietetics
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Monterey Peninsula College offers an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Nutrition and Dietetics, a hybrid program blending online and in-person learning. It provides a strong foundation in nutritional sciences, including courses in chemistry and microbiology, to prepare students for transfer to CSU institutions and careers in health and wellness. The curriculum focuses on diet's role in health and disease prevention, with training in dietary counseling and research analysis. Graduates are well-equipped for further study to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, opening opportunities in hospitals, healthcare agencies, and food service. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
- Transfer pathway to CSU
- Science-focused nutrition curriculum
- Prepares for dietitian certification
- Comprehensive science prerequisites
- Career opportunities in healthcare
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA - Public 4-Year - smc.edu
Associate - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Santa Monica College provides an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer, focusing on nutrient metabolism and its role in health and disease prevention. The program integrates human biology and sociological food studies, preparing students for careers in healthcare, food service, and education. It offers a strong foundation for those planning to transfer to a four-year institution, emphasizing practical skills for aspiring dietitians and nutritionists. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- Associate in Science for Transfer
- Focus on nutrient metabolism
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Solid foundation in nutrition
- Ideal for transfer students
- Emphasizes practical knowledge
- Campus-based program
- Integrated curriculum
- Health and disease prevention focus
- Sociological aspects of food
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles, CA - Public 2-Year - lattc.edu
Associate - Nutrition & Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer, designed to prepare students for seamless transfer into the CSU system for a Bachelor's degree. This program builds a strong foundation in nutrition science, including chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology, with an emphasis on disease prevention. It requires completion of 60 transferable semester units with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and specific coursework with a 'C' or better. Admission does not require an ACT or SAT exam, as it is an associate-level program focused on practical knowledge and research skills for careers as nutritionists and dietitians.
- Associate in Science for Transfer.
- Prepares for CSU transfer.
- Covers nutrition science basics.
- Includes chemistry and physiology.
- Focus on disease prevention.
- Career prep for dietitians.
- 60 transferable units required.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA needed.
- 'C' or better in major courses.
- Offers General Education patterns.
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA - Public 2-Year - lacitycollege.edu
Associate - Nutrition & Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Los Angeles City College provides an Associate Transfer Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, designed to build a strong foundation for becoming a registered dietitian. It integrates liberal arts with nutrition and science courses, offering hands-on experience in therapeutic nutrition and food service management. Students can pursue a Dietetic Service Supervisor Certificate, preparing for management roles in healthcare and eligibility for the Dietary Manager Certifying Exam. This program is ideal for those aiming for careers as nutrition educators or food service managers, emphasizing practical skills and diverse opportunities in the field.
- Associate Transfer Degree
- Dietetic Service Supervisor Certificate
- Hands-on food service experience
- Eligibility for Dietary Manager Exam
- Prepares for registered dietitian pathway
- Blends nutrition with science courses
- Opportunities in healthcare settings
- Practical therapeutic nutrition training
- Management roles preparation
- Diverse career opportunities
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA - Public 2-Year - elac.edu
Associate - Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Los Angeles College provides an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer, tailored for seamless transition to the California State University system. This program mandates 60 transferable units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including core courses like nutrition, psychology, and chemistry completed with a 'C' or better. It ensures guaranteed admission to a CSU campus, requiring only 60 additional units for a bachelor's degree, and focuses on foundational knowledge without heavy science prerequisites, ideal for aspiring nutrition professionals.
- 60 transferable units required
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Major courses need 'C' or better
- Covers nutrition, psychology, chemistry
- Guaranteed CSU admission
- Streamlined path to bachelor's
- Designed for CSU transfer
- No extensive science coursework
- Completion of CSU GE or IGETC
- Includes general education, major prep
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA - Public 4-Year - riohondo.edu
Associate - Nutrition And Dietetics AS-T
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rio Hondo College offers an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) Degree, a campus-based program designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University for a baccalaureate in nutrition. It provides a strong foundation in nutrition science, including courses in chemistry and microbiology, and covers dietary guidelines and health issues. This program has no specific prerequisites and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for those starting their education in nutrition and health careers.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for CSU transfer
- Covers nutrition science
- Includes chemistry and microbiology
- No specific prerequisites
Cypress College
Cypress, CA - Public 4-Year - cypresscollege.edu
Associate - Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cypress College offers an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer, ideal for students planning to advance to a bachelor's program. This campus-based degree provides a solid foundation in food and nutrition sciences, human behavior, and biomedical areas, with hands-on learning and small classes led by experienced faculty. At $46 per unit for California residents, it's affordable and can be completed in two years full-time or part-time. Financial aid is available, and there are no additional enrollment requirements, though some courses have prerequisites. This program opens doors to careers in healthcare, food service, and business, emphasizing preparation for further education.
- Associate in Science Degree
- Designed for transfer
- Hands-on education
- Experienced faculty
- Small class sizes
- Affordable tuition
- Financial aid available
- Two-year completion
- Part-time options
- No additional enrollment requirements
Choosing the Right Program for You in LA
Selecting the right nutrition program is crucial for your career success. The Los Angeles metropolitan area offers the nation’s most comprehensive “Global Health Education Hub” through 9 institutions specifically designed to serve America’s most diverse urban region and its complex, multicultural health landscape.
Understanding LA’s Global Health Education Advantage
Los Angeles’s nutrition education ecosystem reflects the world’s most diverse metropolitan area, where students train to serve populations representing virtually every culture and cuisine on Earth. These programs prepare nutrition professionals for the global nature of modern healthcare, addressing everything from traditional ethnic diets to cutting-edge wellness trends in the entertainment capital of the world.
Start with Your Global Metropolitan Career Goals
Want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with multicultural expertise?
- California State University-Los Angeles – Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics with hands-on community nutrition experience
- California State University-Long Beach – Innovative blended BS-to-MS track for accelerated RDN preparation
Interested in public health nutrition for diverse populations?
- Cal State LA – MS with Public Health Nutrition specialization for leadership roles
- Cal State LA – Community Nutrition and Wellness concentration focusing on multicultural communities
Planning to work in LA’s entertainment and wellness industry?
- Cal State LA – Sports nutrition coursework for Hollywood’s fitness culture
- Cal State LA – Nutrition entrepreneurship options for wellness business ventures
Want to work in food science for LA’s global food industry?
- Cal State LA – MS in Nutritional Science with Food Science concentration
Need affordable foundation coursework throughout LA County? Multiple community college options strategically located:
- Santa Monica College – Westside location serving affluent coastal communities
- Los Angeles City College – Central LA with Dietetic Service Supervisor Certificate
- Los Angeles Trade Technical College – Downtown LA with strong transfer record
- East Los Angeles College – Serving Latino communities in East LA
- Rio Hondo College – Whittier area with streamlined transfer pathway
- Cypress College – Orange County border with small class sizes
- Monterey Peninsula College – Online options for commuter flexibility
Consider Your Educational Background and LA Lifestyle
Starting your nutrition education journey? Strategic community college locations throughout Greater LA:
- Westside: Santa Monica College – Premium location near health-conscious communities
- Central LA: LA City College, LA Trade Technical College – Urban healthcare focus
- East LA: East Los Angeles College – Cultural competency emphasis
- Southeast: Rio Hondo College – Accessible suburban option
- North Orange County: Cypress College – Small classes, personal attention
- Coastal: Monterey Peninsula College – Online flexibility
Ready for university-level study?
- Cal State LA – Comprehensive BS and MS programs with multiple specializations
- Cal State Long Beach – 74-unit program with innovative blended degree track
Want accelerated pathways in competitive LA market?
- Cal State Long Beach – Blended BS-to-MS option for faster RDN preparation
Learning Format Preferences for LA’s Sprawling Geography
Need online flexibility for LA’s notorious commute times?
- Monterey Peninsula College – Online AS-T program perfect for traffic avoidance
Want campus experience in specific LA neighborhoods?
- Multiple community colleges – Choose based on preferred area and commute patterns
- Cal State campuses – Traditional university experience with research opportunities
Prefer small classes in mega-city environment?
- Cypress College – Small class sizes with personal attention
- Community colleges – Generally offer smaller student-to-faculty ratios
Financial Considerations in High-Cost LA Market
Looking for affordable foundation in expensive city?
- California Community Colleges – $46 per unit for residents (extremely affordable)
- All community colleges – Financial aid available
Consider cost vs. location benefits:
- Santa Monica College – Higher living costs but access to premium health market
- East LA College – More affordable area with strong community connections
Los Angeles Global Metropolitan Advantages
World’s Most Diverse Healthcare Market:
- Multicultural competency – Training with virtually every ethnic population
- Celebrity and entertainment wellness – High-profile clientele and cutting-edge trends
- Global food culture – Understanding of diverse traditional diets and fusion cuisines
Entertainment Industry Opportunities:
- Sports nutrition – Professional teams, Hollywood fitness trainers, celebrity wellness
- Media and wellness – Nutrition content creation, wellness influencing, health tech
- Corporate wellness – Entertainment industry, tech companies, healthcare corporations
Cultural Specialization Training:
- Latino nutrition – Large Hispanic population with unique dietary needs
- Asian cuisine expertise – Massive Asian populations and traditional food systems
- Mediterranean and Middle Eastern – Growing populations with distinct dietary patterns
- Fusion nutrition – Understanding how traditional diets adapt in American context
Special Global Metropolitan Program Features
Cal State LA Advantages:
- Multiple specialization tracks – Dietetics, Community Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science
- 120-unit comprehensive programs – Thorough preparation for diverse career paths
- MS programs with multiple concentrations – Advanced study without relocating
- No GRE requirement – Accessible graduate admission
Cal State Long Beach Strengths:
- Innovative blended BS-to-MS – Accelerated pathway in competitive market
- 74-unit efficient program – Streamlined approach to nutrition education
- Multiple career pathway preparation – Flexibility for diverse LA opportunities
Community College System Excellence:
- Strategic geographic coverage – Access throughout massive LA metropolitan area
- AS-T guaranteed transfer – Seamless pathway to Cal State universities
- Cultural community connections – Programs embedded in diverse neighborhoods
- Affordable accessibility – Higher education despite high LA living costs
Global Cuisine and Cultural Competency Focus
Multicultural Nutrition Expertise:
- Traditional diet systems – Understanding of ethnic food patterns and health implications
- Immigration nutrition – Helping populations adapt traditional diets to American food systems
- Cultural food practices – Religious, ceremonial, and cultural aspects of nutrition
- Language considerations – Multilingual nutrition counseling preparation
LA-Specific Health Challenges:
- Air quality and nutrition – Understanding nutrition’s role in environmental health
- Stress and urban lifestyle – Nutrition for high-pressure entertainment industry
- Economic diversity – Serving both affluent and food-insecure populations
- Trend awareness – Staying current with global wellness and diet trends
Making Your Global Metropolitan Decision
Choose Cal State LA if you:
- Want comprehensive university nutrition education with multiple specializations
- Are interested in public health nutrition for diverse populations
- Value research opportunities and graduate study options
- Want to serve LA’s multicultural communities
Choose Cal State Long Beach if you:
- Want an innovative, accelerated pathway to RDN credentials
- Prefer a more streamlined, efficient program structure
- Are interested in the diverse Orange County/LA border region
Choose Community Colleges based on location and focus:
Westside (Santa Monica College):
- Access to affluent, health-conscious populations
- Premium wellness and fitness industry connections
- Higher cost of living but premium career opportunities
Central LA (City College, Trade Tech):
- Urban healthcare system access
- Diverse patient populations for cultural competency training
- Central location with public transit access
East LA (East Los Angeles College):
- Strong Latino community connections
- Cultural nutrition specialization opportunities
- More affordable living while studying
Suburban Options (Rio Hondo, Cypress):
- Smaller class sizes and personal attention
- Suburban healthcare and wellness opportunities
- More manageable commute and lifestyle
Global Health Career Opportunities
Healthcare Systems:
- Cedars-Sinai – World-renowned medical center serving global populations
- UCLA Health – Academic medical center with research opportunities
- Kaiser Permanente – Large integrated health system with diverse patient base
Entertainment and Wellness Industry:
- Celebrity nutritionists – High-profile clientele in entertainment industry
- Wellness centers and spas – Premium health and wellness facilities
- Fitness and sports nutrition – Professional teams, gyms, fitness influencers
Global Food Industry:
- Food product development – LA’s diverse food manufacturing sector
- Restaurant and hospitality – World-class dining and hotel nutrition programs
- Food safety and regulation – Port of LA food import/export oversight
Unique Global Value Proposition
LA’s nutrition education ecosystem offers unparalleled advantages for global health careers:
Cultural Competency Leadership:
- Training in world’s most diverse metropolitan area
- Understanding of global migration patterns and dietary adaptation
- Multilingual and multicultural nutrition counseling expertise
Trend Innovation Access:
- First exposure to global wellness and nutrition trends
- Entertainment industry connections for media and content opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge health technology and startup culture
Global Network Development:
- Professional connections spanning entertainment, healthcare, and wellness industries
- Alumni networks in international markets and global health organizations
- Training ground for global nutrition leadership roles
The Los Angeles metropolitan area provides the world’s most comprehensive nutrition education ecosystem: affordable community college access throughout the massive metro area combined with specialized university programs, all designed to serve the globe’s most diverse urban population. Whether you’re starting at a community college in your neighborhood or pursuing specialized graduate study, LA’s system prepares you for nutrition careers that span from local multicultural communities to global wellness trends.
Choose based on your desired cultural specialization (Latino, Asian, entertainment industry), location within the vast metro area, budget considerations (community college foundation vs. university programs), and career goals (clinical practice, wellness industry, global health, or entertainment nutrition).